By Graham Hiley. I had always resisted every entreaty to go and see War Horse. I didn’t think it was my sort of thing. After being persuaded to see it at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre, I can honestly say it is everybody’s sort of thing – or at least it...
Entertainment Reviews
Review: October Books’ open mic poetry
By Laura McCarthy. October Books’ open mic poetry evening is a monthly event, hosted by the Southampton bookshop on the third Friday of every month, with the next being on Friday 18th October. I went along to the September event. So, what can you expect? Initially, I had no...
REVIEW: Northern Ballet Romeo and Juliet – Mayflower Theatre
By Bella Briscoe. In fair Verona where we lay our scene, a story so often re-created and re-spun, I wondered if there was anything left to give. But Northern Ballet certainly delivered a visually stunning and emotionally charged adaptation of the Shakespeare classic. It was an interesting choice to...
Review: Shed Seven instore Vinilo Record Store, Southampton
By Sally Churchward. Shed Seven made a triumphant return to Southampton’s Vinilo Record Store this afternoon (30/9/24) for a brief but brilliant set ahead of signing their new album, which is on course to take the number one spot this Friday. The band were in town to promote Liquid...
Review and reflections: What’s there for ordinary folk at Southampton International Boat Show?
By Sam Wise. Southampton is an odd city; on the sea, historically interwoven with it, and yet it has little impact on many of the ordinary people who live here. We are surrounded by boats; cruise ships, yachts, dinghies, and all manner of other vessels, but, in my experience...
Review: Lauran Hibberd, The Joiners, Southampton
By Vicky Greer. The warm, welcoming glow that greets you when you walk into The Joiners seems to burn even brighter tonight (22/09/2024) in anticipation of Lauran Hibberd’s return to the stage. It’s like the building has absorbed the comforting vibe of Lauran’s always-relatable lyricism and energetic pop-rock sound....
Review: Stand Atlantic, The 1865
By Vicky Greer. It’s a packed house at The 1865 tonight (18/9/24) for a stacked line-up of international pop-punk excellence as Sydney’s Stand Atlantic return to Southampton. We last saw them in Engine Rooms, a little over a year ago. In tow are Slowly Slowly and Honey Revenge, readying...
Review: Welly, The Joiners, Southampton
By Dan O’Farrell. What kind of horse can change the world? A Trojan horse, of course. Well, tonight at a packed Joiners, a full crowd witnessed some excellent horse-play, with Welly, the bounciest of pop-bands, smuggling some sharp, savvy and important messages beneath an hour’s worth of sing-a-long anthems...
Review: Aladdin the Musical, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, 6 September 2024
By Catherine Collins. Disney’s version of Aladdin, starring Robin Williams, was released in 1992 and quickly became my favourite film of all time – a title it still firmly holds today. So I was really excited to see the musical stage adaptation was heading to Mayflower Theatre. Taking my seat...
Victorious – what to love besides the music
By Sally Churchward. Additional reporting: Spring Wise. Victorious is, of course, a music festival. But while the bands are obviously the big draw, there are other attractions that make it special. Here are some of the things besides big names, that make those three days on Southsea Common so...